Sunday Sit-down: Michael Prizio, Westboro reserve police officer

Sunday

Sep 22, 2013 at 6:00 AMSep 23, 2013 at 5:38 AM

Michael B. Prizio of Auburn was recently hired as a reserve police officer in Westboro. At 25, the Holy Name High School graduate has a bachelor of arts degree from Assumption College, a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University and a Red Sox World Series ring from 2007. However, to pursue the passion he found for law enforcement, he had hang up his Red Sox uniform.

By Donna Boynton TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Michael B. Prizio of Auburn was recently hired as a reserve police officer in Westboro. At 25, the Holy Name High School graduate has a bachelor of arts degree from Assumption College, a master's degree in criminal justice from Boston University and a Red Sox World Series ring from 2007. However, to pursue the passion he found for law enforcement, he had hang up his Red Sox uniform.

When Police Chief Alan Gordon introduced you to the Board of Selectmen, he revealed your secret identity — you were Wally the Green Monster. How did you become Wally the Green Monster?

I interned for the Worcester IceCats when I was in high school and started working the game nights with the mascot, Scratch. Someone said I should talk to this guy from Worcester who works for the Red Sox. I just started talking to this guy who worked as Wally and I opened my mouth and said, 'If you ever need any help, give me a call.' I got called in April 2005. I was with the team until I separated from them last year.

What was your job as Wally?

I represented the team, no matter how good or bad the team is doing. When the team was winning, I was there; when you lose a game on Sunday night, Monday morning you are right back at it. Some people don't want to see you, but Wally always has a smile on his face.

I tell people I am Wally's friend. Wally is a real person, I just put the suit on. I started as Wally's escort, I was his eyes, ears and voice. I traveled all over New England with the team; I went to Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, a lot of places where the farm team was playing. I did community reading programs with Wally and a lot of other community appearances. We did a lot of work with the Jimmy Fund. I've gone to birthday parties as Wally. I've even walked a bride down the aisle as Wally.

I was even Wally's mother on Mother's Day. I miss it. I miss being with the team.

What was your most memorable moment as Wally?

Probably, for me, it was 2007. There wasn't a season like it. It was down to the wire and just to see them win it all — it was great to be part of that. I never thought I'd get a World Series ring. It was crazy. I remember being on the field after we won, with Kevin Youkilis. I remember the first time I worked at Fenway and walked right onto the field. It was an amazing time for me, to be behind the scenes and to be able to share that with my family.

Do many people know you did this and how do they react to it when they find out?

I don't talk about it a lot, but people can't believe I left. I was in high school when I started this and I went to every game, 81 games a season. If I missed five games, that was a lot. I would eat, breathe and sleep Fenway and Wally.

Why did you leave?

I was there for eight seasons, from 2005 until last year. I left to put myself through the police academy.

How has Wally helped shape who you are today?

I think I have a lot more patience. Wally never spoke. How do you express yourself when you can't talk? Some people aren't going to like you for the job you do, but I try to see the good in everybody. I was the ultimate Red Sox fan. When we lost it was terrible, but there was always another game. You never know what the next season will bring, but we were there every game.

What does a reserve police officer do?

I serve the community on a part-time basis doing construction details or at events, like those sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The reserves fill in for the full-time officers whenever they are available.

Why become a reserve officer in Westboro?

My family owns a restaurant in town — The Regatta Deli — and I have spent a lot of time in town, When I decided I wanted to become a police officer, I started to look around and tried to get in in 2011. I went through the process, but I wasn't academy trained. I didn't get in, so I decided to put myself through the Worcester Police Academy.

Why do you want to be a police officer?

That's the toughest question to answer. I was on the auxiliary police force in Newton, which was 100 percent volunteer. We were the eyes and the ears, we patrolled the streets in a cruiser and I just fell in love it with it. I have always been a people person, and this is a different way of serving your community. I did a ride-along in the city and ever since that day, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Eventually I would like to become a full-time police officer in Westboro.

So now that you are no longer Wally, and you serve when needed, what do you do for a full-time job?

I'm still at the deli. I still work for my parents at the Regatta.

Contact Donna Boynton at Donna.Boynton@telegram.com or follow her on Twitter @DonnaBoyntonTG